One reason many sincere Jesus followers spiritually peter out is that their lives resemble Sisyphus fighting gravity to roll the boulder up the hill. The Christian life, as it's been taught to them, is an unsustainable exercise of exhausting willpower. Is that The Way of Jesus, though? What if Jesus followers were instead mostly taught to put up their sails and channel the … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Prefers Unforced Rhythms of Grace to Spiritual Disciplines
Christian culture
Beatnik Christianity Creates Room for Both Analytical and Holistic Cognition
The field of cultural anthropology makes a fascinating distinction between "analytical cognition" and "holistic cognition." Reflecting the values of Western culture, analytical thinkers separate out ideas into black and white. They value compartmentalization, individualism, independence, and quantifiable research. Reflecting the values of Eastern culture, holistic thinkers … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Creates Room for Both Analytical and Holistic Cognition
Beatnik Christianity Replaces the Ethical Framework of Right vs. Wrong
The single worst piece of advice I ever received came from a groomsman's dad shortly before my first wedding. He said, "You need to look at marriage like that scene from Apollo 13. 'Failure is not an option!' You must honor your vows no matter what." For him, and for much of Christian culture, there's no room for complexity or nuance. It doesn't matter how much you're … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Replaces the Ethical Framework of Right vs. Wrong
Beatnik Christianity Values Expertise
There's somethin' weird going on in American Christianity. Well, there's lots of weird things going on, but what I mean is this growing populist impulse to reject expertise offhand. A board certified doctor is trusted less than a stay-at-home mom selling Multi-Level Marketing essential oils. A theologian with a PhD is trusted less than a youth pastor who got two-year degree … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Values Expertise
Beatnik Christianity Has Permanent Burnout with Christian Culture
Remember that scene in Office Space where Peter Gibbons first arrives at work? He sits down at his cubicle on Monday morning to that incessant, high-pitched repetition of, "Corporate accounts payable, Nina speaking. Just a moment." That look of utter despair tells you everything. This is a broken man who hates his work life. Long-term stress has resulted in acute apathy, … [Read more...] about Beatnik Christianity Has Permanent Burnout with Christian Culture
